Curable composition

ABSTRACT

A curable composition is provided. A cured product showing excellent light extraction efficiency, crack resistance, hardness, thermal shock resistance and adhesive strength after a curing, as well as showing excellent processability and workability is provided. Also, surface stickiness may be prevented in the cured product without causing turbidity etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of International Application PCT/KR2011/000523, with an international filing date of Jan. 25, 2011, which claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0006700, filed Jan. 25, 2010, and of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0007455, filed Jan. 25, 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a curable composition.

BACKGROUND ART

As a light emitting diode (LED), particularly as a blue or UV LED having an emission wavelength of approximately 250 nm to 550 nm, a high-brightness LED product using a compound semiconductor made of a GaN compound such as GaN, GaAlN, InGaN or InAlGaN has been obtained. Also, a high-definition full color image may be formed using a technique of combining red and green LED's with a blue LED. For example, a technique of preparing a white LED by combining a blue LED or UV LED with a phosphor has been known. Such LED's have been increasingly required for backlighting or general lighting in liquid crystal displays (LCD's).

As an LED encapsulant, an epoxy resin having high adhesive strength and excellent dynamic durability has been widely used. However, the epoxy resin has problems in that it has low transmittance with respect to light having blue to UV wavelength regions, and also shows poor lightfastness. Therefore, techniques in order to solve the problems as described above have been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. Hei11-274571, 2001-196151 and 2002-226551. However, the encapsulants described in these literatures show insufficient lightfastness.

As a material that has excellent lightfastness with respect to the low wavelength range, a silicone resin has been known. However, the silicone resin has disadvantages in that its heat resistance is poor, and its surface becomes sticky after curing. Also, in order to effectively apply the silicone resin as an LED encapsulant, characteristics such as a high refractive property, crack resistance, surface hardness, adhesive strength and thermal shock resistance must be secured.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a curable composition.

Technical Solution

The present invention relates to a curable composition that includes (A) a linear organosiloxane compound that is represented by an average composition formula of Formula 1; (B) a crosslinking type organosiloxane compound that is represented by an average composition formula of Formula 2; and (C) a hydrogen siloxane compound that is represented by Formula 3. The curable composition satisfies Equations 1 and 2:

(R¹R²R³SiO_(1/2))_(a)(R⁴R⁵SO_(2/2))_(b)(R⁶SO_(3/2))_(c)(SiO_(4/2))_(d)   [Formula 1]

(R⁷R⁸R⁹SiO_(1/2))_(e)(R¹⁰R¹¹SiO)_(f)(R¹²SiO_(3/2))_(g)(SiO_(4/2))_(h)   [Formula 2]

wherein R¹ to R¹² independently represent an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, an epoxy group or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, with the provision that at least one of R¹ to R⁶ is an alkenyl group, at least one of R¹ to R⁶ is an aryl group, at least one of R⁷ to R¹² is an alkenyl group and at least one of R⁷ to R¹² is an aryl group; R's independently represent hydrogen, an epoxy group or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, with the provision that at least one of the R's is an aryl group; a is in a range of 0 to 0.5, b is in a range of 0.5 to 0.98, c is in a range of 0 to 0.2, d is in a range of 0 to 0.1, e is in a range of 0 to 0.5, f is in a range of 0 to 0.3, g is in a range of 0.3 to 0.85, h is in a range of 0 to 0.2, n is in a range of 1 to 10, with the proviso that a+b+c+d is 1, e+f+g+h is 1, (a+b)/(a+b+c+d) is greater than 0.9, (g+4h/3)/(e+2f) is in a rang of 2 to 5, and g/(g+h) is greater than 0.85;

|X _((A)) −X _((B))|<0.4   [Equation 1]

|X _((B)) −X _((C))|<0.4   [Equation 2]

wherein X_((A)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group bound to a silicon atom of compound (A) to the total silicon atoms of compound (A), X_((B)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group bound to a silicon atom of compound (B) to the total silicon atoms of compound (B), and X_((C)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group bound to a silicon atom of compound (C) to the total silicon atoms of compound (C).

The curable composition will be described in detail.

The composition may be cured via reaction of the alkenyl group bound to a silicon atom of compounds (A) and (B) with the hydrogen atom bound to a silicon atom of compound (C). The curable composition shows excellent processability and workability, and may provide a cured product thereof that has excellent crack resistance, hardness, thermal shock resistance and adhesive strength after curing. The curable composition shows excellent long-term reliability under severe conditions such as high-temperature and/or high-moisture conditions. The curable composition does not cause turbidity or surface stickiness under these severe conditions.

The curable composition includes a linear organosiloxane compound (A) which is represented by an average composition formula of Formula 1. In this specification, an organosiloxane compound represented by a certain average composition formula means cases where the compound comprises a single component that is represented by the certain average composition formula, as well as cases where the compound includes a mixture of at least two components and an average composition of the two components is represented by the certain average composition formula.

In the average composition formula of Formula 1, R¹ to R⁶ are substituents directly bound to a silicon atom, and independently represent an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, an epoxy group or a monovalent hydrocarbon group. Also, at least one of R¹ to R⁶ represents an alkenyl group and at least one of R¹ to R⁶ represents an aryl group. In the above, examples of the monovalent hydrocarbon group may include an alkyl group, a halogenated alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group and an arylalkyl group. In the average composition formula, the alkoxy group or the monovalent hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a suitable substituent, if necessary.

In the average composition formula, the alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may preferably include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group or a propoxy group.

In the average composition formula, the alkyl group or the halogenated alkyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may preferably include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a chloromethyl group, a 3-chloropropyl group or a 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl group, while a methyl group is more preferred.

Also in the average composition formula, the alkenyl group may be an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and may preferably include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a butenyl group, a pentenyl group or a hexenyl group, while a vinyl group is more preferred.

Also in the average composition formula, the aryl group may be an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and may preferably include a phenyl group, a tolyl group, a xylyl group and a naphthyl group, while a phenyl group is more preferred.

Also in the average composition formula, the arylalkyl group may be an arylalkyl group having 6 to 19 carbon atoms, and preferably 6 to 13 carbon atoms, and may preferably include a benzyl group or a phenethyl group.

In Formula 1, at least one of R¹ to R⁶ is an alkenyl group. Specifically, the alkenyl group may be included in such an amount that the molar ratio (Ak/Si) of the alkenyl group (Ak) bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms (Si) in the compound (A) is in a range of 0.02 to 0.2, preferably 0.02 to 0.15. If the molar ratio (Ak/Si) is more than 0.02, it is possible to suitably maintain reactivity with the component (C), and prevent components that have not reacted from bleeding on the surface of the cured product. Also, if the molar ratio (Ak/Si) is less than 0.2, it is possible to maintain excellent crack resistance of the cured product.

Also, in Formula 1, at least one of R¹ to R⁶ may be an aryl group, preferably a phenyl group. Therefore, the refractive index and hardness characteristics of the cured product may be effectively controlled. Specifically, the aryl group, preferably the phenyl group, may be included in such an amount that the molar ratio (Ar/Si) of the aryl group (Ar) with respect to the total silicon atoms (Si) in the compound (A) is in a range of 0.3 to 1.3, preferably 0.4 to 1.3, and more preferably 0.6 to 1.3. If the molar ratio (Ar/Si) is not less than 0.3, it is possible to optimize the refractive index and hardness of the cured product, and if the molar ratio (Ar/Si) is not more than 1.3, it is possible to optimize viscosity of the composition.

In the above, a, b, c and d in the average composition formula of Formula 1 represent molar ratios of the siloxane units respectively, and the total sum of a, b, c and d is 1; a is in a range of 0 to 0.5, b is in a range of 0.5 to 0.98, c is in a range of 0 to 0.2, and d is in a range of 0 to 0.1. In order to optimize the crack resistance of the cured product, (a+b)/(a+b+c+d) may be greater than 0.9, preferably greater than 0.95. For example, the upper limit of (a+b)/(a+b+c+d) may be 1.

In the above, the linear organosiloxane compound (A) has a viscosity at 25° C. of 1,000 mPa·s to 100,000 mPa·s, preferably 1,000 mPa·s to 50,000 mPa·s. If the viscosity falls within the range, it is possible to maintain excellent processability and workability of the composition before curing and to optimize hardness of the composition after curing.

In the above, the linear siloxane compound (A) may also have a weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of, for example, 1,000 to 50,000, preferably 1,000 to 30,000. If the M_(w) of the organosiloxane compound (A) is not less than 1,000, it is possible to provide a composition that shows an appropriate viscosity and has excellent intensity and crack resistance after curing. Also, if the M_(w) of the organosiloxane compound (A) is not more than 50,000, it is possible to optimize viscosity of the composition, thereby maintaining excellent workability and processability. In this specification, the term “weight average molecular weight” or “M_(w)” refers to a value converted with respect to standard polystyrene and measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Also, unless stated otherwise, the term “molecular weight” means a weight average molecular weight hereinafter.

In one embodiment, an organosiloxane compound represented by the formulas below may be used as the organosiloxane compound (A), but not limited thereto.

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(MePhSiO_(2/2))₃₀;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))₁₀(Me₂SiO_(2/2))₁₀;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(MePhSiO_(2/2))₂₀(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))₁₀(Me₂SiO_(2/2))₂₀;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(MePhSiO_(2/2))₅₀(Me₂SiO_(2/2))₁₀;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(Me₂SiO_(2/2))₅₀(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))₃₀(PhSiO_(3/2))₅;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(ViMeSiO_(2/2))₂(Me₂SiO_(2/2))₃₀(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))₃₀.

In the formulas, “Vi” represents a vinyl group, “Me” represents a methyl group, and “Ph” represents a phenyl group.

In the above, the linear organosiloxane compound (A) may be prepared by methods conventionally known in the art. For example, the linear organosiloxane compound (A) may be prepared by hydrolyzing and condensing one or more organosilanes having a hydrolyzable group such as halogen or an alkoxy group. For example, the hydrolysis and condensation may be performed in the presence of a typical acid catalyst or a base catalyst. Also, examples of the organosilanes used for the hydrolysis and condensation may include compounds represented by R_(n)SiX_((4-n)). In the formula, X is a hydrolyzable group, and may include a halogen such as chlorine or an alkoxy group, and n may be an integer ranging from 0 to 3. Also in the formula, R is a substituent bound to a silicon atom and may be suitably selected in consideration of the substituent of a desired compound. Also, the linear siloxane compound may be prepared by a ring-opening reaction of cyclic siloxane in the presence of a base catalyst. A variety of methods for preparing a siloxane compound, including the methods as described above, have been known in the art, and a desired organosiloxane compound may be prepared by a person skilled in the art by suitably using one of such methods.

The curable composition includes a crosslinking type organosiloxane compound (B) that is represented by an average composition formula of Formula 2. The term “crosslinking type organosiloxane compound” refers to an organosiloxane compound that essentially includes a siloxane unit represented by (RSiO₁₅) or (SiO₂). In the above, R is a hydroxy group, an epoxy group or a monovalent hydrocarbon group.

The crosslinking type organosiloxane compound (B) is represented by the average composition formula of Formula 2. In the above, R⁷ to R¹² represent substituents directly bound to a silicon atom, and independently represent an alkoxy, hydroxy, epoxy or monovalent hydrocarbon group. In the above, at least one of R⁷ to R¹² represents an alkenyl group. Also, in the above, at least one of R⁷ to R¹² also represents an aryl group. Specific kinds of the respective substituents may be the same as described in Formula 1.

In Formula 2, at least one of R⁷ to R¹² is an alkenyl group. Particularly, the alkenyl group is included in such an amount that the molar ratio (Ak/Si) of the alkenyl group (Ak) bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms (Si) in the compound (B) is in a range of 0.15 to 0.35, preferably in a range of 0.15 to 0.3. If the molar ratio (Ak/Si) is not less than 0.15, it is possible to optimize reactivity with the component (C) and to prevent components that have not reacted from bleeding on the surface of the cured product. Also, if the molar ratio (Ak/Si) is not more than 0.35, it is possible to optimize excellent hardness, crack resistance and thermal shock resistance of the cured product.

Also in Formula 2, at least one of R⁷ to R¹² may be an aryl group, preferably a phenyl group. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the refractive index and hardness of the cured product. Particularly, the aryl group, preferably the phenyl group, may be included in such an amount that the molar ratio (Ar/Si) of the aryl group (Ar) with respect to the total silicon atoms (Si) in the organosiloxane compound (B) is in a range of 0.35 to 1.2, preferably in a range of 0.35 to 1.1. If the molar ratio (Ak/Si) is not less than 0.35, it is possible to optimize the refractive index and hardness of the cured product. Also, if the molar ratio (Ak/Si) is not more than 1.2, it is possible to maintain an appropriate viscosity and thermal shock resistance of the composition.

In the above, e, f, g and h in the average composition formula of Formula 2 represent molar ratios of the siloxane units, respectively, and the total sum of e, f, g and h is 1; e is in a range of 0 to 0.5, f is in a range of 0 to 0.3, g is in a range of 0.3 to 0.85, and h is in a range of 0 to 0.2. In order to optimize the intensity, crack resistance and thermal shock resistance of the cured product, (g+(4/3)h)/(e+2f) may fall within a range of 2 to 5, preferably a range of 2 to 4, and g/(g+h) may be greater than 0.85, preferably greater than 0.90. For example, the upper limit of g/(g+h) may be 1.

The crosslinking type organosiloxane compound (B) may have a viscosity at 25° C. of more than 5,000 mPa·s, preferably more than 10,000 mPa·s. Therefore, it is possible to maintain appropriate processability before curing and hardness after the curing.

Also, the crosslinking type organosiloxane (B) may have a molecular weight of, for example, 1,000 to 5,000, preferably 1,000 to 4,000. If the molecular weight of the organosiloxane compound (B) is not less than 1,000, it is possible to optimize formability of the composition before curing and intensity of the composition after curing, whereas if the molecular weight of the organosiloxane compound (B) is not more than 5,000, it is possible to optimize properties such as viscosity.

In one embodiment, an organosiloxane compound represented by one selected from the group consisting of the following formulas may be used as the organosiloxane compound (B), but not limited thereto:

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₃(PhSiO_(3/2))₁₀;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(MePhSiO_(2/2))₂(PhSiO_(3/2))₁₅;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))(PhSiO_(3/2))₈;

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₃(PhSiO_(3/2))₉(SiO_(4/2));

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₃(MePhSiO_(2/2))(PhSiO_(3/2))₉(SiO_(4/2));

(ViMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(Me₂SiO_(2/2))(MePhSiO_(2/2))₂(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))(PhSiO_(3/2))₁₉(SiO_(4/2)).

In the formulas, “Vi” represents a vinyl group, “Me” represents a methyl group, and “Ph” represents a phenyl group.

In the above, a method for preparing the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound (B) is used without any particular limitations, and may be, for example, applied in the same manner as organosiloxane compound (A).

In one embodiment, the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound (B) may be, for example, included in an amount of 50 parts by weight to 700 parts by weight, preferably 50 parts by weight to 500 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the linear organosiloxane compound (A). In this specification, a unit “part by weight” refers to a weight ratio. If the weight ratio of compound (B) is not less than 50 parts by weight, it is possible to maintain excellent intensity of the cured product, whereas if the weight ratio of the siloxane compound (B) is not more than 700 parts by weight, it is possible to maintain excellent crack resistance and thermal shock resistance of the cured product.

The curable composition includes the hydrogen siloxane compound (C) that is represented by Formula 3. The siloxane compound (C) has a hydrogen atom directly bound to a silicon atom. The hydrogen atoms may react with the alkenyl groups bound to a silicon atom included in compounds (A) and (B).

In Formula 3, R's independently represent hydrogen, an epoxy group or a monovalent hydrocarbon group. Specific kinds of the monovalent hydrocarbon group may be the same as described above.

The siloxane compound (C) has a molecular chain, both terminal ends of which are blocked by a hydrogen atom bound to a silicon atom. In this case, at least one of the R's included in the molecular side chain may be hydrogen, if desired. Particularly, a molar ratio (H/Si) of the hydrogen atom (H) bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms (Si) in the compound (C) may be in a range of 0.2 to 0.8, preferably in a range of 0.3 to 0.75. If the molar ratio is not less than 0.2, it is possible to maintain excellent curability of the composition, whereas if the molar ratio is not more than 0.8, it is possible to maintain excellent crack resistance and thermal shock resistance of the composition.

Also, at least one of the R's in Formula 3 may be an aryl group, preferably a phenyl group. Therefore, the refractive index and hardness of the cured product may be optimized. Specifically, the aryl group, preferably the phenyl group, may be included in such an amount that the molar ratio (Ar/Si) of the aryl group (Ar) with respect to the total silicon atoms (Si) in the compound (C) is in a range of 0.3 to 1, preferably 0.4 to 0.8. If the molar ratio (Ar/Si) is not less than 0.3, it is possible to optimize the refractive index and hardness of the cured product. Also, if the molar ratio (Ar/Si) is not more than 1, it is possible to optimize viscosity and crack resistance of the composition.

In Formula 3, n may be in a range of 1 to 10, preferably in a range of 1 to 5. Therefore, it is possible to maintain excellent intensity and crack resistance of the cured product.

In the above, the siloxane compound (C) may have a viscosity at 25° C. of 500 mPa·s or less, preferably 300 mPa·s or less. If the viscosity of the compound (C) falls within the ranges as described above, it is possible to maintain excellent processability of the composition and excellent hardness of the cured product.

In one embodiment, the compound (C) may have a molecular weight of, for example, less than 1,000, preferably less than 800. If the molecular weight of the compound (C) exceeds 1,000, the intensity of the cured product may be deteriorated. A lower limit of the molecular weight of the compound (C) is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 250.

In one embodiment, a siloxane compound represented by one selected from the group consisting of the following formulas may be used as the compound (C), but not limited thereto:

(HMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(MePhSiO_(2/2))₂;

(HMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))_(1.5);

(HMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(MePhSiO_(2/2))_(1.5)(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))_(1.5);

(HMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(Me₂SiO_(2/2))_(2.5)(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))_(2.5);

(HMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(Me₂SiO_(2/2))_(2.5)(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))_(2.5);

(HMe₂SiO_(1/2))₂(HMeSiO_(1/2))(Ph₂SiO_(2/2))₂;

In the formulas, “Vi” represents a vinyl group, “Me” represents a methyl group, and “Ph” represents a phenyl group.

In the above, a method for preparing compound (C) is used without any particular limitations, and may be, for example, applied in the same manner as in compounds (A) and (B).

In one embodiment, an amount of compound (C) may be decided upon in order to satisfy a certain molar ratio of the alkenyl groups bound to the silicon atom in compounds (A) and (B) with respect to the total number of alkenyl groups. Particularly, the molar ratio (H/Ak) of the hydrogen atom (H) bound to a silicon atom in the compound (C) with respect to the total alkenyl groups (Ak) bound to a silicon atom in the compounds (A) and (B) is in a range of 0.8 to 1.2, preferably in a range of 0.85 to 1.15, and more preferably in a range of 0.9 to 1.1. By controlling the molar ratio (H/Ak) as described above, a composition, which shows excellent processability and workability before curing, which shows excellent crack resistance, hardness, thermal shock resistance and adhesive strength after curing, and which prevents turbidity and tackiness on the surface from being generated under severe conditions may be provided.

The compound (C) may be included in an amount of 50 parts by weight to 500 parts by weight, preferably in a range of 50 parts by weight to 400 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of compound (A).

Considering the refractive index and hardness of the cured product of the curable composition, all of the compounds (A), (B) and (C) may include an aryl group that is bound to a silicon atom thereof respectively. Examples of the aryl group may include a phenyl group. Also, the molar ratio (Ar/Si) of the total aryl groups (Ar) bound to a silicon atom included in the compounds (A), (B) and (C) with respect to the total silicon atoms (Si) included in compounds (A), (B) and (C) may be preferably greater than 0.3 and less than 1.2, and more preferably may be in a range of 0.4 to 1.2. If the molar ratio exceeds 0.3, it is possible to maintain excellent hardness and refractive index of the cured product. Also, if the molar ratio is set to be less than 1.2, the viscosity of the composition may not be effectively controlled.

Further, all of the compounds (A), (B) and (C) may satisfy the following Equations 1 and 2:

|X _((A)) −X _((B))|<0.4   [Equation 1]

|X _((B)) −X _((C))|<0.4   [Equation 2]

wherein X_((A)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group bound to the silicon atoms included in compound (A) with respect to the total silicon atoms in compound (A), X_((B)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group bound to the silicon atoms included in compound (B) with respect to the total silicon atoms in compound (B), and X_((C)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group bound to the silicon atoms included in compound (C) with respect to the total silicon atoms in compound (C).

In Equations 1 and 2, |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| mean an absolute value of the difference between X_((A)) and X_((B)) and an absolute value of the difference between X_((B)) and X_((C)), respectively. Here, each of the absolute values may preferably be less than 0.35. Also, the lower limits of the absolute values are not particularly limited.

If a molar ratio of the aryl group satisfies the requirements of Equations 1 and 2, it is possible to provide a composition showing excellent compatibility between components which constitute the composition and have excellent processability and workability before curing, and to provide a composition which may show excellent refractive index, optical transmittance and hardness after curing.

The curable composition may further include a hydrosilylation catalyst. The hydrosilylation catalyst may be used to facilitate the reaction of the hydrogen atom bound to a silicon atom in compound (C) with the alkenyl groups in compound (A) or (B). Kinds of the hydrosilylation catalyst that may be used herein are not particularly limited, and any hydrosilylation catalysts that are known in the art may be used. Examples of such a catalyst may include a platinum, palladium or rhodium catalyst. In one embodiment, the palladium catalyst may be used in consideration of catalytic efficiency, etc. Examples of such a catalyst may include, but are not limited to, chloroplatinic acid, platinum tetrachloride, an olefin complex of platinum, an alkenyl siloxane complex of platinum or a carbonyl complex of platinum, etc.

In the above, an amount of the hydrosilylation catalyst is not particularly limited, as long as the hydrosilylation catalyst is present in a so-called catalytic amount, i.e. an amount in which hydrosilylation catalyst may act as a catalyst. Typically, the hydrosilylation catalyst may be included in an amount of 0.1 ppm to 500 ppm, preferably 0.2 ppm to 100 ppm, based on the atomic weight of platinum, palladium or rhodium.

Also, the curable composition may further include a tackifier in order to further improve adhesive strength to various bases. The tackifier may improve self-adhesive strength to a composition or cured product, and particularly may improve self-adhesive strength to a metal and an organic resin.

Examples of the tackifier usable herein may include, but are not limited to, a silane having at least one functional group, preferably at least two functional groups, selected from the group consisting of an alkenyl group such as a vinyl group, a (meth)acryloyloxy group, a hydrosilyl group (a SiH group), an epoxy group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxysilyl group, a carbonyl group and a phenyl group; or an organic silicon compound such as cyclic or linear siloxanes having 2 to 30 silicon atoms, preferably 4 to 20 silicon atoms. The tackifier may be used alone or in combinations thereof.

If the tackifier is included in the composition, an amount of the tackifier may be in a range of 0.1 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the compound (A), but may be suitably varied in consideration of the desired improvement of the adhesive strength.

Along with the components as described above, the curable composition may optionally further include at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a reaction inhibitor such as 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 2-phenyl-3-1-butin-2-ol, 3-methyl-3-penten-1-in, 3,5-dimethyl-3-hexen-1-in, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetrahexenylcyclotetrasiloxane or ethynylcyclohexane; an inorganic filler such as silica, alumina, zirconia or titania; carbon-functional silane and partially hydrolyzed condensates thereof or a siloxane compound having an epoxy group and/or an alkoxysilyl group; a thixotropic agent such as aerosolized silica usable in combination with polyether; a conductivity-providing agent such as metal powder including silver, copper or aluminum, or various carbon materials; and a color control agent such as a pigment or a dye.

The present invention also relates to a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor element encapsulated by an encapsulant that includes the curable composition as described above in a cured state.

Examples of the semiconductor element which may be encapsulated by the curable composition may include semiconductor elements used in a diode, a transistor, a thyristor, a solid image pickup device, an integral IC and a hybrid IC. Additionally, exemplary examples of the semiconductor device may include a diode, a transistor, a thyristor, a photocoupler, CCD, an integral IC, a hybrid IC, LSI, VLSI and a light-emitting diode (LED).

In one embodiment, the semiconductor device may be a light-emitting diode that includes a light-emitting element that is encapsulated by an encapsulant that includes the curable composition as described above in a cured state.

Kinds of the light-emitting element usable herein are not particularly limited. For example, a light-emitting element formed by laminating a semiconductor material on a substrate may be used. In this case, examples of the semiconductor material may include, but are not limited to, GaAs, GaP, GaAlAs, GaAsP, AlGaInP, GaN, InN, AlN, InGaAlN or SiC. Also, examples of the substrate used herein may include sapphire, spinel, SiC, Si, ZnO or GaN single crystals.

In one embodiment, a buffer layer may also be formed between the substrate and the semiconductor material, if necessary. In this case, a GaN or AlN may be used as the buffer layer. A method of laminating a semiconductor material on a substrate is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, an MOCVD, HDVPE or a liquid phase epitaxy method. In the above, a structure of the light-emitting element may include, for example, a monojunction structure, a heterojunction structure and a double heterojunction structure having an MIS junction, a PN junction, or a PIN junction. Also, the light-emitting element may be formed in a single or multiple quantum well structure.

In one embodiment, an emission wavelength of the light-emitting element may be, for example, in a range of 250 nm to 550 nm, preferably in a range of 300 nm to 500 nm, and more preferably in a range of 330 nm to 470 nm. The emission wavelength represents a peak emission wavelength. When the emission wavelength of the light-emitting element falls within this wavelength, it is possible to obtain a white light-emitting element having a longer life span and showing high energy efficiency and color reproduction.

The light-emitting diode may be manufactured by encapsulating a light-emitting element, particularly a light-emitting element having an emission wavelength of 250 nm to 550 nm, with an encapsulating material including the curable composition as described above. In this case, the encapsulation of the light-emitting element may be performed using only the curable composition as described above, and may be performed in combination with another encapsulant, if necessary. When at least two encapsulants are used together, a light-emitting element may be encapsulated with the curable composition as described above, followed by encapsulating the primarily encapsulated light-emitting element with another encapsulant, or may be encapsulated with another encapsulant, followed by encapsulating the primarily encapsulated light-emitting element with the curable composition as described above. The other encapsulant which may be used herein may include an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, an acryl resin, a urea resin, an imide resin or glass.

For example, a method of encapsulating a light-emitting element with the curable composition as described above includes a method of first injecting the curable composition as described above into a mold-type cast, soaking a lead frame, in which a light-emitting element is fixed, in the curable composition as described above and curing the curable composition; a method of injecting the curable composition as described above into a cast to which a light-emitting element is inserted and curing the curable composition; etc. In this case, examples of the method of injecting the curable composition may include injection using a dispenser, transfer molding, injection molding, etc. Also, other encapsulation methods used herein may include a method of applying the curable composition as described above onto a light-emitting device and curing the curable composition by means of a dropping, stencil printing, screen printing or a mask process, a method of injecting the curable composition in a cup having a light-emitting element disposed therein using a dispenser and curing the curable composition, etc. Also, the curable composition as described above may be used as a die-bond material for fixing a light-emitting element in a lead terminal or a package, a passivation film on a light-emitting device, a package substrate, etc.

The method of curing the curable composition as described above is not particularly limited, but may be performed, for example, by heating the composition at a temperature of 60° C. to 200° C. for 10 minutes to 5 hours, and be optionally performed by undergoing at least two steps of the curing at conditions of suitable temperature and time.

A shape of an encapsulated portion is not particularly limited, but may be formed in a shell-type lens, planar or thin-film shape.

In one embodiment, performance of the light-emitting element may also be improved using additional conventionally known methods. Methods of improving the performance may, for example, include a method of installing a light reflective layer or a light-concentrating layer at a rear surface of a light-emitting element, a method of forming a complementarily colored portion at a bottom of a light-emitting element, a method of installing a layer for absorbing light of a wavelength shorter than a main emission peak wavelength on a light-emitting element, a method of encapsulating a light-emitting element and further molding the light-emitting element using a hard material, a method of fixing a light-emitting diode through a through hole, a method of connecting a light-emitting element to a lead member using a flip chip interconnection, thereby extracting light in a direction of a substrate, etc.

The light-emitting diode may be, for example, effectively used as a light source such as a backlight unit of a liquid crystal display device (LCD), various sensors, a printer, or a photocopier, a light source for an automobile dashboard, a traffic light, a pilot lamp, a display device, a light source for a planar luminous body, displays, decorations or various lights.

Advantageous Effects

The curable composition shows excellent processability and workability. Also, the curable composition shows excellent crack resistance, thermal shock resistance and adhesive strength and also has excellent reliability and long-term reliability under high-temperature and/or high-moisture conditions. In addition, the curable composition may provide a cured product, which is capable of preventing turbidity from being generated, and which is capable of preventing tackiness on the surface from being generated, and therefore surface stickiness may be prevented.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail referring to Examples designed according to the present invention and Comparative Examples that are not designed according to the present invention; however, the present invention is not limited to Examples.

In Examples, “Vi” represents a vinyl group, “Ph” represents a phenyl group, “Me” represents a methyl group, and “Ep” represents an epoxy group.

1. Measurement of Optical Transmittance

In Examples and Comparative Examples, optical transmittance of cured products was evaluated, as follows. First, a prepared composition was injected between two glass plates which were arranged to be spaced at a distance of approximately 1 mm apart from each other, and cured at a constant temperature of 150° C. for 1 hour to prepare a 1 mm-thick test sample. Then, the test sample was measured at room temperature for optical transmittance in a thickness direction at a wavelength range of 450 nm using a UV-VIS spectrometer, and evaluated according to the following criteria.

<Criteria for Evaluation of Optical Transmittance>

∘: Optical transmittance of 98.5% or more

×: Optical transmittance of 98.5% or more

2. Evaluation of Surface Stickiness

A curable composition was injected into a mold, and cured at a constant temperature of 150° C. for 1 hour. Then, surface stickiness was evaluated according to the following criteria by contacting a surface of the resulting cured product with hands.

<Criteria for Evaluation of Surface Stickiness>

∘: Surface is hardly sticky

Δ: Surface is slightly sticky

×: Surface is highly sticky

3. Evaluation of Device Properties

A 5630 LED package prepared from polyphthalamide (PPA) was used to evaluate device properties. More particularly, a curable composition was dispensed into a polyphthalamide cup, and cured at a constant temperature of 60° C. for 30 minutes, and then at a constant temperature of 150° C. for 1 hour to prepare a surface-mounted LED. Then, the LED was evaluated for thermal shock and long-term reliability under the high-temperature/high-moisture conditions, as follows.

<Criteria for Evaluation of Thermal Shock>

One cycle, in which the prepared surface-mounted LED was left at a constant temperature of −40° C. for 30 minutes, and then was left at a constant temperature of 100° C. for 30 minutes, was repeated 10 times. Then, the surface-mounted LED was cooled at room temperature, and evaluated for a peeling state to determine the thermal shock resistance (Total 10 surface-mounted LED's were prepared in each of Examples and Comparative Examples, and evaluated for a peeling state).

<Long-Term Reliability at High-Temperature/High-Moisture Conditions>

The prepared surface-mounted LED was operated for 100 hours under constant conditions of a temperature of 85° C. and relative moisture of 85% while applying an electric current of 60 mA to the LED. After the completion of the operation, a luminance of the LED was then measured to calculate reduction in luminance with respect to the initial luminance, and the reliability was evaluated according to the following criteria.

<Evaluation Criteria>

∘: Luminance is reduced by 10% or less with respect to initial luminance

×: Luminance is reduced by 10% or more with respect to initial luminance

MODE FOR INVENTION EXAMPLE 1

The compounds which were represented by the Formulas as described below were prepared by methods conventionally known to a person skilled in the art. 100 g of a linear organosiloxane compound (Formula 1, (a+b)/(a+b+c+d)=1), 300 g of a crosslinking type organosiloxane compound (Formula 2, (g+4h/3)/(e+2f)=2, g/(g+h)=1), and 98.0 g of a hydrogen siloxane compound (the Formula 3) were mixed, and 10.4 g of a tackifier represented by the Formula 4 was mixed thereto. Then, a catalyst (platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane) was mixed in such an amount that a content of Pt(0) in the resulting mixture was 20 ppm, homogeneously mixed, and degassed to prepare a curable composition (both |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of Equations 1 and 2 were less than 0.4).

[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₂[Me₂SiO_(2/2)]₉[Ph₂SiO_(2/2)]₁₀[PhMeSiO_(2/2)]₄   [Formula 1]

[ViMeSiO_(1/2)][MeSiO_(2/2)][PhSiO_(3/2)]₁₄[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₃   [Formula 2]

[HMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₂[Ph₂SiO_(2/2)]  [Formula 3]

[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₂[EpSiO_(3/2)]₂[PhMeSiO_(2/2)]₁₀   [Formula 4]

EXAMPLE 2

A curable composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (both |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of the Equations 1 and 2 are less than 0.4), except that 100 g of the linear organosiloxane compound of Formula 1, 300 g of a siloxane compound ((g+4h/3)/(e+2f)=3, g/(g+h)=1) represented by Formula 5 as the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound, 10.0 g of the tackifier of Formula 4, and 115.0 g of the hydrogen siloxane compound of Formula 3 were mixed together.

[PhSiO_(3/2)]₁₂[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₄   [Formula 5]

EXAMPLE 3

A curable composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (both |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of Equations 1 and 2 are less than 0.4), except that 100 g of the linear organosiloxane compound of Formula 1, 300 g of a siloxane compound ((g+4h/3)/(e+2f)=4, g/(g+h)=1) represented by Formula 6 as the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound, 10.0 g of the tackifier of Formula 4, and 94.0 g of the hydrogen siloxane compound of Formula 3 were mixed together.

[PhSiO_(3/2)]₁₆[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₄   [Formula 6]

EXAMPLE 4

A curable composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (both |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of Equations 1 and 2 are less than 0.4), except that 100 g of the linear organosiloxane compound of Formula 1, 300 g of a siloxane compound ((g+4h/3)/(e+2f)=5, g/(g+h)=1) represented by Formula 7 as the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound, 10.0 g of the tackifier of Formula 4, and 79.0 g of the hydrogen siloxane compound of Formula 3 were mixed together.

[PhSiO_(3/2)]₁₅[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₃   [Formula 7]

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

A curable composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (both |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of Equations 1 and 2 are less than 0.4), except that 100 g of the linear organosiloxane compound of Formula 1, 300 g of a siloxane compound ((g+4h/3)/(e+2f)=1, g/(g+h)=1) represented by Formula 8 as the crosslinking type siloxane compound, 10.0 g of the tackifier of Formula 4, and 115.0 g of the hydrogen siloxane compound of Formula 3 were mixed together.

[ViMeSiO_(2/2)]₂[PhMeSiO_(2/2)]₂[PhSiO_(3/2)]₁₀[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₂   [Formula 8]

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2

A curable composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (both |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of Equations 1 and 2 are less than 0.4), except that 100 g of the linear organosiloxane compound of Formula 1, 300 g of a siloxane compound ((g+4h/3)/(e+2f)=approximately 5.3, g/(g+h)=0.8) represented by Formula 9 as the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound, 10.0 g of the tackifier of Formula 4, and 88.0 g of the hydrogen siloxane compound of Formula 3 were mixed together.

[SiO_(4/2)]₂[MeSiO_(3/2)][PhSiO_(3/2)]₇[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₂   [Formula 9]

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3

A curable composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (both |X_((A))−X_((B))| and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of Equations 1 and 2 are less than 0.4), except that 100 g of the linear organosiloxane compound of Formula 1, 300 g of a siloxane compound ((g+4h/3)/(e+2f)=2, g/(g+h)=1) represented by Formula 10 as the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound, 10.0 g of the adhesive strength-providing agent of Formula 4, and 118.0 g of the hydrogen siloxane compound of Formula 3 were mixed together.

[ViMeSiO_(2/2)][PhMeSiO_(2/2)][MeSiO_(3/2)][₇[PhSiO_(3/2)]₇[ViMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₃   [Formula 10]

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 4

A curable composition was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (|X_((A))−X_((B))| of Equation 1 is less than 0.4 and |X_((B))−X_((C))| of Equation 2 is 0.4), except that 100 g of the linear organosiloxane compound of Formula 1, 300 g of the crosslinking type organosiloxane compound of Formula 2, 10.0 g of the tackifier of Formula 4, and 80.0 g of a hydrogen siloxane compound represented by Formula 11 were mixed together.

[HMe₂SiO_(1/2)]₂[PhMeSiO_(2/2)]  [Formula 11]

The evaluation results of the resulting curable compositions are summarized and listed in the following Table 1.

TABLE 1 High- temperature/ Thermal High- Optical Surface Shock moisture Transmittance Stickiness Resistance Reliability Examples 1 ∘ ∘ 0/10 ∘ 2 ∘ ∘ 1/10 ∘ 3 ∘ ∘ 0/10 ∘ 4 ∘ ∘ 1/10 ∘ Comparative 1 ∘ ∘ 7/10 x Examples 2 ∘ ∘ 9/10 x 3 x ∘ 7/10 x 4 x ∘ 7/10 x

As seen from Table 1, it was revealed that the curable compositions according to Examples showed excellent optical transmittance after curing without causing surface stickiness. Also, it was revealed that the curable compositions of Examples had excellent thermal shock resistance and showed excellent results in the long-term reliability test under the high-temperature/high-moisture conditions.

In particular, in the case of Comparative Examples 3 and 4 in which Equations 1 and 2 were not satisfied at the same time, the composition showed seriously deteriorated properties such as optical transmittance, as well as thermal shock resistance and reliability. 

1. A curable composition that comprises: (A) a linear organosiloxane compound represented by an average composition formula of Formula 1, of which a viscosity at 25° C. is from 1,000 mPa·s to 100,000 mPa·s, and of which a molar ratio of an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms ranges from 0.02 to 0.2; (B) a crosslinking type organosiloxane compound represented by an average composition formula of Formula 2, of which a viscosity at 25° C. is 5,000 mPa·s or more, and of which a molar ratio of an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms ranges from 0.15 to 0.35; and (C) a hydrogen siloxane compound represented by Formula 3, of which a viscosity at 25° C. is 300 mPa·s or less, and of which a molar ratio of a hydrogen atom bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms ranges from 0.2 to 0.8, wherein a molar ratio of a hydrogen atom bound to a silicon atom in the siloxane compound (C) with respect to an alkenyl group bound to a silicon atom in the organosiloxane compounds (A) and (B) is in the range from 0.8 to 1.2, and that wherein the curable composition satisfies the Equations 1 and 2: (R¹R²R³SiO_(1/2))_(a)(R⁴R⁵SiO_(2/2))_(b)(R⁶SiO_(3/2))_(c)(SiO_(4/2))_(d)   [Formula 1] (R⁷R⁸R⁹SiO_(1/2))_(e)(R¹⁰R¹¹SiO)_(f)(R¹²SiO_(3/2))_(g)(SiO_(4/2))_(h)   [Formula 2]

wherein R¹ to R¹² independently represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atom(s), a hydroxy group, an epoxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atom(s), a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atom(s), an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl group having 6 to 19 carbon atoms, with the provision that at least one of R¹ to R⁶ is an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, at least one of R¹ to R⁶ is an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, at least one of R⁷ to R¹² is an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, at least one of R⁷ to R¹² is an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms; R's independently represent hydrogen, an epoxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atom(s), a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atom(s), an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl group having 6 to 19 carbon atoms, with the provision that at least one of the R's is an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms; a is in a range of 0 to 0.5, b is in a range of 0.5 to 0.98, c is in a range of 0 to 0.2, d is in a range of 0 to 0.1, e is in a range of 0 to 0.5, f is in a range of 0 to 0.3, g is in a range of 0.3 to 0.85, h is in a range of 0 to 0.2, n is in a range of 1 to 10, with the proviso that a+b+c+d is 1, e+f+g+h is 1, (a+b)/(a+b+c+d) is greater than 0.9, (g+4h/3)/(e+2f) is in a range of 2 to 5, and g/(g+h) is greater than 0.85; |X _((A)) −X _((B))|<0.4   [Equation 1] |X _((B)) −X _((C))|<0.4   [Equation 2] wherein X_((A)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms in the organosiloxane compound (A), X_((B)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms in the polysiloxane compound (B), and X_((C)) represents a molar ratio of an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and bound to a silicon atom with respect to the total silicon atoms in the hydrogen siloxane compound (C).
 2. (canceled)
 3. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein “(a+b)/(a+b+c+d)” is greater than 0.95.
 4. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein the organosiloxane compound (A) has a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 50,000.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein “(g+4h/3)/(e+2f)” is in a range of 2 to
 4. 7. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein “g/(g+h)” is greater than 0.9.
 8. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein the organosiloxane compound (B) has a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 5,000.
 9. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein the organosiloxane compound (B) is comprised in an amount of 50 parts by weight to 700 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the organosiloxane compound (A).
 10. (canceled)
 11. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen siloxane compound (C) has a weight average molecular weight of less than 1,000.
 12. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen siloxane compound (C) is comprised in an amount of 50 parts by weight to 500 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the siloxane compound (A).
 13. The curable composition according to claim 1, wherein a molar ratio of the aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms and bound to a silicon atom in the siloxane compounds (A), (B) and (C) to the total silicon atoms in the siloxane compounds (A), (B) and (C) is greater than 0.3 and less than 1.2.
 14. A light-emitting diode that comprises a light-emitting element encapsulated by an encapsulant that comprises the composition of claim 1 in a cured state.
 15. A liquid crystal display device that comprises the light-emitting diode of claim 14 in a backlight unit. 